January 6, 2003

Rabbi Boruch Oberlander,
Chabad-Lubavitch Hungary
Wesselenyi u. 4
Budapest, Hungary

Dear Rabbi Oberlander,

Greetings and best wishes to those gathered in Budapest to celebrate the historic rabbinical ordination ceremony of Rabbi Shlomo D. Koves. I understand this is the first Orthodox rabbinical ordination for someone born, raised and educated in Hungary since World War II.

It is wonderful to see Jewish life flourishing again in Hungary, and how your government leaders have chosen to join you in marking this milestone. While we must remember the dark horrors of the last century, especially the Holocaust which devastated not only Europe but the human spirit itself, it is crucial that we work to rebuild life and a better future upon the foundations of religious freedom and mutual understanding.

I salute you on this special occasion, and my hope that the leadership and people of Hungary will continue to help build freedom and peace, in Europe and throughout the world.

Sincerely

Gordon H. Smith
United States Senator